Watches claims victory in Republican primary for judge

Friday

BATH — Chauncey J. Watches, a veteran justice in the town of Bath, won the big prize in Thursday’s primary elections, apparently winning the Republican nomination for Steuben County Court judge.

According to unofficial results, Watches defeated Matthew K. McCarthy in a close GOP primary, 2,743-2,596, or 51.23 percent to 48.49 percent, with 100 percent of the precincts reporting. It was not immediately known how many absentee ballots remain to be counted in the race, or whether they could impact the final results.

Watches and McCarthy, an acting Steuben County Court judge, each won a minor party primary Thursday.

Watches won the Conservative Party race, by a tally of 53-44.

In the Reform Party race, McCarthy defeated Watches 58-44, according to unofficial results from the Steuben County Board of Elections.

Watches, who made an unsuccessful election bid for Steuben County Family Court judge last year, has served as a town justice Bath for the last 14 years. This primary day was different.

"I’m humbled to have earned victories in tonight’s Republican and Conservative Primary Elections. With the Independence Party line also already secured, the General Election was effectively decided tonight," Watches said. "The people of Steuben County have my sincere commitment to serve with honor and integrity. I feel it will be a tremendous privilege to serve as your next Steuben County Court Judge. Thank you to the voters of Steuben County.

"Thank you to my opponent, Matt McCarthy, for running a spirited campaign. I’m proud to call you a friend, and I see a bright future ahead for you."

Watches has had a private legal practice for more than 30 years and previously served as assistant district attorney and as assigned counsel through the Steuben County Public Defender's Office.

McCarthy, a practicing attorney for 15 years, is from Corning and has been an acting Steuben County Court judge for three years.

Assembly District 133rd - Republican Primary

Marjorie L. Byrnes of Caledonia appeared headed to an upset victory over veteran Assemblyman Joseph Errigo in a Republican primary in the three-county 133rd Assembly District, according to numerous press reports.

Neither candidate had released a statement by press time.

In the Steuben County vote, Errigo edged Byrnes by 14 votes, 657-643.

The Assembly district includes the City of Hornell, and includes Livingston County and a portion of Monroe County.

Errigo, a Conesus resident, returned to the Assembly 2017 after being tapped by Republicans to replace Bill Nojay, who died in September 2016, on the party line.

Amanda Kirchgessner of Ulysses held a sizable advantage over Michael Lausell of Hector at press time in this state Senate Democratic race. Kircchgessner, a grassroots candidate making her first run for office, led Lausell, a Schuyler county legislator, 57 percent to 43 percent with about 55 percent of the votes counted.

Steuben County went for Kirchgessner. With 100 percent of the vote in, Kirchgessner had 63 percent to 37 percent for Lausell.

"Even though the vote didn't go our way tonight we, as a community, have a large responsibility to continue moving forward and working towards real, progressive change," Lausell said. "More can be done in New York than is currently being done. Rural, upstate residents are finding it difficult to go about everyday life, and they need our help. I will be doing everything I can to support change in the district, and to support our energetic, young nominee, Amanda Kirchgessner. I want to thank our volunteers that have propelled our campaign to this point, and to encourage them to continue working toward change in New York state."

The winner will face Republican incumbent Tom O’Mara of Big Flats in the November election.

Town of Howard Councilman, Republican Primary, 1 year term

Gary Rice defeated Eric D. Hosmer, 141-116 to win the Republican primary for one-year of an unexpired term. Rice wins the GOP nod for November. There were also two write-in votes.

In a spirited primary for Allegany County Sheriff, incumbent Rick Whitney closed in on a third term after defeating Walt Mackney. Read more at http://www.wellsvilledaily.com/news/20180914/whitney-wins-primary

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